The majority of nationwide Child Nutrition Program (CNP) waivers previously offered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) that impacted the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) expired on June 30, 2022. In the absence of nationwide waivers authorized by Congress, USDA allowed state agencies to submit individual state waiver requests for specific meal service flexibilities under the statutory requirements in Section 12(l) of the National School Lunch Act. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office for Food and Nutrition Programs (FNP) requested all available meal service waiver flexibilities available, and they were subsequently approved by USDA on May 17, 2022, and May 24, 2022. This memorandum outlines the updated requirements and flexibilities available to FFVP operation. Register for our FFVP School Year 2022/2023 Operations webinar where we plan to review these flexibilities and other program requirements on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 2:00 pm.
Guidance for Massachusetts School Food Authorities (SFAs) operating FFVP During SY 22/23:
In the event of a temporary school closure, students quarantining or the need to facilitate socially distant meals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, non-congregate grab and go meals with parent pick up, may be allowed. USDA expects that program operators will use the waivers only when congregate meal service is limited by conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Standard FFVP operations limit FFVP to approved elementary schools. In SY 22-23, FFVP operators must limit the availability of FFVP foods to approved elementary schools.
In the event of needing a meal service flexibility, FNP has been approved for a meal service waiver*.
FFVP elementary schools must serve FFVP foods directly to eligible children.
In the event of needing a meal service flexibility to facilitate socially distant grab and go meal, DESE FNP has been approved for a meal service waiver*.
NSLP and SBP congregate meal service is required (children must be served and eat each meal at school).
In the event of needing a non-congregate meal service to facilitate socially distant grab and go meals, DESE FNP has been approved for a meal service waiver*.
NSLP and SBP meals must follow meal service time requirements.
In the event of needing a meal service time flexibility to facilitate socially distant grab and go meal, DESE FNP has been approved for a meal service waiver*.
If you have questions about operating FFVP in Massachusetts, contact the DESE FNP at KevinE.dawson@mass.gov and 781-338-6463.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.